ATIS CASTS ITS WEB: TRAVELLER INFORMATION SYSTEMS: A REVIEW

Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS) have evolved tremendously since their early days. Each stage of their advance has brought new ways of thinking on how to interact with travellers before and during their journeys. Web-based ATIS require a multifaceted approach to reach their desired users. To some extent, ATIS still use static kiosks containing broad general traveller information that do not provide for real-time conditions. In future, kiosk users will want more information on real-time events such as bus schedules, maps, and current vacancy information for hotels. However, current and future web-based applications of ATIS are focusing on disseminating information via the Internet to the largest possible audience, worldwide. Everyone wants better and faster information on which to base travel decisions, and the marketplace is increasing its efforts to provide customised products focused on specific areas of the transport system, including the route taken to work. The Northern Arizona Rural ATIS Field Operational Test, Arizona TripUSA, is a typical Internet-based ATIS system. It is a 'one-stop shop' for travel information, and its Web site was developed early in 1998. Its first task was to identify all existing Web sites providing useful information about the area. Its database content and links and human factors considerations are crucially important to its success.